Birmingham police charge 17-year-old in Fatal Magic City Classic shooting
The suspect was caught in an alley with a gun fitted with a Glock conversion device after nine people were shot near Graymont Avenue.
By Rosa Kovalenko ·
A 17-year-old boy now faces murder charges in the death of 19-year-old Dre’Shawn Thomas. Birmingham Police announced the formal charges from the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office during a press conference on Monday night. The suspect is also charged with possession of a machine gun conversion device.
The violent incident unfolded shortly after 7:50 p.m. on Saturday. Multiple shots were fired along Graymont Avenue. A second burst of gunfire occurred near the intersection of 3rd Street West and Graymont Avenue. Nine people sustained gunshot wounds in the twin shootings. Thomas died from his injuries, and one other victim remained in critical condition as of Monday.
Officers recovered several firearms at the scene and secured them for investigation. Police located the 17-year-old suspect in an alley on 4th Court West. He had attempted to run when officers found him. The gun in his possession had a Glock conversion device attached.
Chief Michael Pickett confirmed the details of the arrest and the charges filed by the district attorney. The department continues to seek public assistance to solve the case. Residents are asked to provide any information or video footage related to the incident.
People with evidence can contact the Birmingham Police Department at 205-254-1764. Crime Stoppers can be reached at 205-254-7777. Investigators also accept digital files of footage directly through the police department's online portal.
Source: WALA-TV
